By: Jennifer Portee
5/21/2026
No Caitlin Clark, no problem. With their franchise guard sidelined just hours before tipoff due to a back injury, the Indiana Fever didn’t flinch. Instead, they leaned into discipline, and a standout performance from Aliyah Boston to secure a convincing 90-73 win over the Portland Fire on Wednesday night.
Boston showed up early and never let up, finishing with 24 points and eight rebounds in a performance that reminded everyone why she remains the backbone of this team. After missing her first career game earlier this week, her return brought both presence and confidence to the floor.
Kelsey Mitchell added 21 points, while Lexie Hull delivered one of the most efficient nights of her career. Hull was flawless hitting all four of her shots from beyond the arc and going a perfect 4-for-4 from the free-throw line finishing with 16 points and eight rebounds.
Stepping into Clark’s starting role, Tyasha Harris didn’t find her shot but controlled the game in other ways. She dished out seven assists, grabbed two steals, and committed zero turnovers a consistent presence that kept Indiana’s offense organized.
Portland showed early fight, cutting the deficit to just two points midway through the second quarter after a jumper from rookie Sarah Ashlee Barker. But Indiana quickly closed the half on a dominant run that stretched the lead to 16. The Fever shot an efficient 55% from the field in the first half and never looked back.
The Fire, led by Bridget Carleton’s 16 points and Sug Sutton’s 14, struggled to regain momentum. A tough moment came late in the third quarter when rookie Nyadiew Puoch exited the game with a right leg issue and did not return, bringing concern over Portland’s night.
From there, Indiana maintained control, keeping the lead in double digits throughout the second half.
Now sitting at 3-2, the Fever will look to carry that momentum into Friday’s home matchup against Golden State. Meanwhile, Portland heads to Toronto still searching for consistency in its expansion season.
If Wednesday night proved anything, it’s this: Indiana is deeper than one star, and when the pieces click, they’re a real problem.